When mixing two pesticides together, what is the most likely reason for lumps or separation in the mixture?

When mixing two pesticides, lumps or separation can often result from incompatibility between the chemicals being combined. Incompatibility occurs when the active ingredients or other components of the two products do not interact well with each other, leading to physical changes like precipitation, clumping, or layering. This is an important factor for applicators to consider because using incompatible pesticides can not only reduce the effectiveness of the application but may also pose risks to the environment and human health.

Agitation is a critical factor in proper mixing. While insufficient agitation can also cause mixing issues, it is the inherent chemical incompatibility that leads to the formation of lumps or layers first, which may not resolve even with increased stirring. Each pesticide formulation has its own characteristics, and understanding these is essential to avoid complications during the mixing process. Therefore, recognizing and addressing incompatibility is crucial for effective and safe pesticide application.